Name: Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural or oily); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency); 1 ½ cups mini pretzels (crushed into small bits); 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother dipping)

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These Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes are a fun and indulgent treat that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the salty crunch of pretzels, all wrapped in a smooth chocolate coating. They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth while still offering a little bit of crunch and saltiness to balance the flavors. Whether you're planning a party or just want a delicious homemade snack, these buckeyes will be a hit!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural or oily)

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)

1 ½ cups mini pretzels (crushed into small bits)

2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother dipping)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, I cream together the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract. Then, I gradually mix in powdered sugar until the mixture is firm but moldable. I stir in the crushed pretzels, ensuring that the mixture is stiff enough to roll into balls. If it's too soft, I either add more powdered sugar or chill the mixture for 15 minutes.

Shape the balls: I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. After rolling, I chill them in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until firm.

Melt the chocolate: While the peanut butter balls chill, I melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler with coconut oil (if using) until smooth and creamy.

Dip to make "buckeyes": I use a toothpick to dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top center exposed to give it that classic buckeye look. Once dipped, I place them back on the tray and smooth over the toothpick hole if desired.

Chill to set: Finally, I refrigerate the buckeyes for 15–20 minutes or until the chocolate coating is firm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24–30 buckeyes, depending on the size of the balls. The prep time is approximately 30 minutes, and they need to chill for around 40–60 minutes total. These are perfect for making ahead and serving at your next gathering!

Variations

Whole pretzels: For extra crunch, I sometimes press a whole pretzel piece onto the top of each buckeye before dipping them into the chocolate. It’s a fun twist that adds extra texture and a little more pretzel flavor.

Fully coated: If I want to make the buckeyes fully covered in chocolate, I just dip them completely and smooth over any imperfections. This makes for a more decadent treat if I’m craving more chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

I store these buckeyes in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage if I want to keep them for an extended period. When ready to enjoy, I simply thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes, or I can eat them straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

I prefer creamy peanut butter for this recipe because it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, but crunchy peanut butter can be used if you like extra texture. Just be sure to adjust the amount of powdered sugar for consistency if needed.

Can I make these without coconut oil?

Yes! The coconut oil helps give the chocolate a smoother texture for dipping, but it’s not essential. If I prefer not to use coconut oil, I can simply melt the chocolate without it, though it might be a little harder to dip.

Can I use white chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet chocolate?

Absolutely! If I love white chocolate, I can easily swap it in for the milk or semi-sweet variety. The sweetness will be a bit different, but still delicious.

Can I freeze these buckeyes?

Yes! I freeze them all the time. I place them in a freezer-safe container and separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay great for a couple of months in the freezer.

How do I get the perfect "buckeye" look with the chocolate?

To get the classic look, I dip each ball into the chocolate using a toothpick and leave the top center exposed. I avoid fully covering the top to keep the "eye" appearance. It takes a little practice, but it’s well worth the effort for that classic presentation!

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes are one of my favorite treats to make. They’re a fun twist on the classic buckeye, with crunchy pretzels adding an extra layer of texture. Whether I’m making them for a party or just to indulge myself, they’re always a hit. The combination of creamy peanut butter, salty pretzels, and smooth chocolate is irresistible!

Recipe:

Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 60 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24–30 buckeyes
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes combine creamy peanut butter, salty pretzels, and smooth chocolate into a fun, indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.